Playing in the Mud Never Gets Old for These Two Cave Explorers

Best friends Mike Allen and Dave Ellacott are on a mission to discover the secrets of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular caves. After a dye-tracer test revealed a connection between the Jr. and Luckie Strike cave systems, the two cavers have been looking for a passageway between the two subterranean worlds. In this short film by Melissa Nickerson, watch these fearless friends avoid stalactites and slide through mud as they explain, “It’s the unknown that makes it exciting.”

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. To submit a film for consideration, please email sfs@natgeo.com. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Playing in the Mud Never Gets Old for These Two Cave Explorers

Best friends Mike Allen and Dave Ellacott are on a mission to discover the secrets of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular caves. After a dye-tracer test revealed a connection between the Jr. and Luckie Strike cave systems, the two cavers have been looking for a passageway between the two subterranean worlds. In this short film by Melissa Nickerson, watch these fearless friends avoid stalactites and slide through mud as they explain, “It’s the unknown that makes it exciting.”

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. To submit a film for consideration, please email sfs@natgeo.com. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.